The primary institutional need analysis methodology for University of Kansas scholarships that have a financial need component is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS) is charged with determining financial need for students being considered for need-based awards, including scholarships and grants. To ensure equity and consistency in determining eligibility for need-based awards, students applying for need-based awards must file a FAFSA. This application utilizes a formula for determining a family’s expected contribution (EFC) to the student’s education. The FAS subtracts the EFC from the KU cost of attendance to determine financial need. Financial aid the student receives may reduce this financial need and may impact eligibility for additional need-based awards. Students must complete a new FAFSA each year they wish to be considered for need-based awards. International students may complete KU’s International Student Need analysis Worksheet in lieu of completing a FAFSA. Financial Aid and Scholarships provides FAFSA need analysis on individual students to scholarship-awarding units on request. Beginning in late Fall 2008, Institutional Need analysis will also be available through the Scholarship Datamart.

Awarding Unit Alternative Methodology

For awarding units that choose to offer a secondary need analysis methodology for merit plus need scholarships with restrictive criteria, Deans may utilize the following alternative method:

1. All scholarship candidates must complete the FAFSA annually.

2. Merit plus need scholarships should be awarded to qualified candidates based on the following criteria, in descending order:

· Students with unmet need based on FAFSA guidelines.

· Students who show original unmet need based on FAFSA guidelines, but the unmet need is met through other sources.

· Each scholarship-awarding unit should develop a standard process for demonstrating this need. This documentation may be a letter explaining why the FAFSA does not accurately describe the student’s financial status.

· Students who are below the Cost of Attendance in awarded scholarships.

3. Institutional scholarships, combined with other federal, state and/or institutional aid, should not exceed the published Cost of Attendance.

4. Units that utilize the Alternative Methodology must clearly document and communicate their need analysis methodology to students and other constituents.

5. Units choosing to apply the Awarding Unit Alternative Methodology must email the Financial Aid and Scholarships, indicating their intent to apply the Alternative Methodology. In the email, include the specific SAKU Scholarship Fund Item Type(s) to which the Alternative Methodology will apply.